DE102010052930B4 - Housing for a computer or for a computer component and computer component and computer with such a housing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (1) for a computer or for a computer component, wherein at least one area (3) is arranged on an outer housing wall (2) of the housing (1), which is illuminated by an illumination (7) arranged in the housing (1) ) can be illuminated. According to the invention, in the region (3) on the surface of the outer housing wall (2) a layer (10) is applied, which is transparent to light of the illumination (7) and reflects ambient light (9). Further, a computer component and a computer with such a housing will be described.

Description

The invention relates to a housing for a computer or for a computer component, wherein at least one area is arranged on an outer housing wall of the housing, which can be illuminated via a lighting arranged in the housing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer component and a computer with such a housing.

Such housings have illuminated or backlit areas, for example in the form of display elements or operating elements, such as control buttons, as described for example in the document DE 10 2006 019 945 B3 are known. Illumination or backlighting of these areas serves to better perceive a user in the operation of the computer or computer component. Typically, the illuminated areas are shaped to form graphical symbols representing a particular operating function of the computer or computer component. Such a graphic symbol can be, for example, an on / off symbol, which identifies a control button on the housing as an on / off switch.

An illuminated area on an outer housing wall of the housing can be backlit, for example via a backlight, which is arranged in the housing. A backlight can be formed for example by one or more light emitting diodes (LED). The light of such a lighting can be passed for example via one or more light-carrying conductor (light guide) directly to the area on the outer housing wall, which is to be illuminated or backlit. As such, the shape of the graphic symbol may be predetermined by the light guide. The illuminated area is thus either backlit by a backlight, optionally by means of a light guide, or is formed directly by an end portion of a light guide, which is guided to the outside of the outer housing wall and thus illuminate the area.

The illuminated area on the outer housing wall of the housing or an outwardly guided light guide are usually made of transparent, transparent material. In the on state of a computer or computer component having such a housing, the areas are illuminated and visible. When switched off, however, the areas are difficult to recognize due to the transparency of the crystal-clear materials. As a result, even the graphical symbols represented by the illuminated areas are poorly perceivable by a user when turned off.

Conventional solutions provide the texture of the surface of the outer housing wall in the areas which represent graphical symbols. Thus, a graphic symbol is to be made "noticeable" when touching a region, for example on a control knob. However, this has the disadvantage that a visibility in the off state can not be improved.

Another solution is to colorize the areas, for example milky, in order to highlight the symbols when switched off. However, this has a shading or darkening of the colored areas result, so that a backlighting or lighting is deteriorated in the on state and often can only be achieved inadequately. This degrades the visibility of graphic symbols in the on state.

The from the above mentioned document DE 10 2006 019 945 B3 The known solution provides for illuminating a region with a graphic symbol in such a way over a transflective background coating either by reflected ambient light or by transmitted background light of a backlight. A graphic sign in the area appears dark in a bright environment. This solution has the disadvantage that display or operating elements embodied in this way are relatively complicated to produce, since the graphic symbol and the transflective background coating must be embedded in a plurality of different layers at a distance from one another in the component. In addition, the recognition of detailed symbols in this solution may be difficult for a viewer.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the visibility of such areas on an outer housing wall of a housing of the type mentioned both in the illuminated state of the areas, as well as in the non-illuminated state of the areas and to simplify the display of graphical information.

This object is achieved in a first aspect by a housing of the type mentioned above in that in the area on the surface of the outer housing wall at least partially a layer is applied, which is transparent to light of the illumination and ambient light reflected, wherein at least the sections with the applied layer are arranged in the region such that a graphical symbol for an operating function of the computer is formed in the area.

As a result of the layer applied to the surface, both a graphic symbol and its visibility and presentation can thus be realized in a simple manner on the outside of a housing.

A reflectivity of the layer here means that the layer of the surface of the outer housing wall in the illuminated area specifically gives reflective properties, which differs from the reflection properties of the other surface of the outer housing wall. In a non-backlit state, the area can be well perceived due to the layer, as ambient light in this area is particularly noticeably reflected. In the backlit or illuminated state, the area is also well perceived, since the layer for light of lighting in the housing is designed to be translucent. This means that the area can be well perceived and visibly illuminated despite the layer applied by a lighting arranged in the housing.

This has the advantage that an area representing, for example, a graphic symbol of an operational function is illuminated both in the illuminated state due to the light of a housing arranged in the illumination and in the non-illuminated state due to reflected ambient light and is clearly visible and easily perceived by a user , This is an advantage especially for users with limited vision.

Preferably, the layer is applied exclusively in the area which can be illuminated. This has the advantage that a graphic symbol formed by the shape of the area clearly appears due to reflected ambient light. Thus, in the illuminated and in the non-illuminated state, an identical or almost identical appearance of a graphic symbol can be achieved.

Preferably, the layer reflects ambient light directed. This enhances a striking appearance of the area in the non-illuminated state, whereby a high light intensity in contrast to a diffuse reflection can be thrown back into the eye of the observer in a focused manner. Thus, a high contrast of the area is created to surrounding areas of the outer housing wall and allows a viewer to clearly see the area.

Preferably, the layer is formed of a coated paint. Preferably, the layer has a white hue. The advantage of a coating is that a homogeneous surface can be created, which has only slight unevenness with few scattering centers. Thus, a directional reflection can be achieved.

A white color also has the advantage that almost all spectral components of visible light are reflected between about 380 nm and 780 nm. This increases the visibility of the area, especially in case walls of the housing otherwise made in a dark shade. However, it is also possible to provide a different predetermined hue for the reflection of, for example, red spectral components between about 630 nm and 790 nm, if the other housing walls have a white or very light hue.

Decisive is the contrast between the outer housing walls and the area in which perceptible information, such as a graphic symbol, is arranged.

In further aspects, the object is achieved by a computer component or a computer, which have a housing of the aforementioned type. Such electronic devices have a plurality of display or operating elements, so that a housing of the type mentioned here is used efficiently.

Further advantageous embodiments and embodiments are disclosed in the description of the figures and in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to two drawings.

Show it:

1 an embodiment of a part of a housing and

2 a schematic sectional view of part of an outer housing wall and a lighting.

1 shows an embodiment of a part of a housing 1 which is, for example, a housing of a computer or a computer component.

The housing 1 has an outer housing wall 2 on. In an edge region of the outer housing wall 2 is a control knob 5 for operating the housing 1 or for triggering an operating function on the housing 1 arranged. The control knob 5 has an area 3 on, which by means of a housing 1 arranged light source, such as illumination by LEDs, can be illuminated so that it is visibly lit to the outside. Furthermore, the control knob comprises 5 an opaque area 4 for contrasting and lifting the illuminated area 3 from the frame area of the outer housing wall 2 , Light of a lighting, for example, via a light guide (not shown) from the inside of the housing 1 in the edge region of the outer housing wall 2 to the control knob 5 be routed so that the control knob 5 in the illuminated area 3 can be backlit by the light. It is also conceivable that a light guide directly with an end section on the illuminated area 3 of the control knob 5 ends, so that light is emitted from the light guide directly to the outside and the area 3 enlightened.

The illuminated area 3 is formed so that a graphic symbol is formed, which has an operating function on the housing 1 represents. The symbol shown in this embodiment is an on / off function. A user is thus aware of the illuminated area 3 on the control knob 5 conveys that by pressing the control knob 5 the from the case 1 enclosed electronic component can be switched on or off. Other conceivable symbols for representing a corresponding operating function are of course conceivable.

In the edge area of the outer housing wall 2 are next to the illuminated area 3 on the control knob 5 other illuminated areas 3 provided, which each represent different symbols for an operating function. So is a lit area 3 in the form of a microphone icon, a second illuminated area 3 in the form of a headphone icon and a third illuminated area 3 in the form of a hard disk icon (see from left to right on the outer housing wall 2 ). The other areas 3 Thus, for example, symbolize certain audio input and output functions as well as an activity of a hard disk in the housing 1 , Corresponding audio input and output devices can be connected to plug-in connections for other components 6 , which are next to the respective areas 3 are arranged to be connected.

Incidentally, the housing has 1 even more components 6 in the form of plug-in card slots, which above the edge region of the outer housing wall 2 are set up. The other components 6 are listed by way of example only.

All areas 3 in the edge region of the outer housing wall 2 are about a lighting, which is inside the case 1 is arranged, behind or illuminated accordingly. This can be done in different shades and in different brightness, by continuous lighting or by a flashing signal with a predetermined frequency or a predetermined signal pattern.

In the switched-on state of a device in the housing 1 become the areas 3 usually lit. Thus, a user can recognize and interpret the respective function or symbolic force. In the off state of a device in the housing 1 become the areas 3 usually not lit. However, in the areas 3 on the surface of the outer housing wall 2 a layer is applied, which is transparent to light of the illumination inside the housing 1 and which ambient light reflects, the outside of the housing 1 spotlighting. Such a function will be explained in more detail below.

2 schematically shows a section through an outer housing wall 2 a housing 1 according to 1 , being behind the outer housing wall 2 , so schematized inside a housing 1 a lighting 7 is arranged.

The lighting 7 generates background light 8th , whose rays of light pass through a transparent area 3 pass to the outside, thus the area 3 to light up for a viewer. The area 3 is through an opaque area 4 in the outer housing wall 2 delimited, so by the area 3 For example, a particular form of a graphical symbol may be formed.

Furthermore, on the surface of the outer housing wall 2 in the area 3 at least partially a reflective layer 10 applied, which for light rays of a background light 8th the backlight 7 is translucent, which, however, light rays of an ambient light 9 that radiates from the outside, reflects.

The advantage of the light transmission of the layer 10 for light rays of a background light 8th from the inside of the housing is that the layer 10 no significant shadowing or darkening of the backlight 7 represents. Thus, the area 3 in its entire dimension, even in the sections with the layer 10 well backlit, so the whole area 3 evenly lit, if the backlight 7 is active.

If the backlight 7 However, it is not active because, for example, an electronic device in the housing 1 is turned off, so the layer can 10 yet light rays of an ambient light 9 reflect. This means that incident light rays of an ambient light 9 be thrown back into the eye of an observer, so this despite backlight off 7 at least the sections in the area 3 clearly recognizes in which the layer 10 on the surface of the outer housing wall 2 is applied.

It is also conceivable that the reflection properties of the layer 10 also be exploited if the area 3 from an active backlight 7 is illuminated. Then the sections with the layer 10 for example, be amplified or particularly rich in contrast to the eye of a viewer recognizable.

At least the sections with the applied layer 10 in the area 3 For example, they may be arranged such that a graphic symbol in the area 3 is formed. It is also possible to have a reflective layer 10 over the entire area 3 apply, so the entire area 3 has a certain graphical value. Thus could through an area 3 in conjunction with a coated layer 10 For example, an on / off symbol on a control knob 5 according to 1 be formed. Also other symbols of areas 3 according to 1 are conceivable.

The layer is advantageous 10 according to 2 applied as a varnish. This has the advantage that the surface of a paint is very homogeneous and only a few bumps and scattering centers for incident ambient light 9 having. By a lacquer coating can thus a directed reflection of light rays of the ambient light 9 be achieved so that a viewer the bundled reflected light rays of the ambient light 9 perceives. Thus, a high light intensity in the portions with the reflective layer 10 be captured by the eye of an observer. The sections with the reflective layer 10 therefore appear when the backlight is off 7 merely due to reflection of ambient light 9 Contrasting with respect to the surrounding sections of the outer housing wall 2 ,

Graphic symbols on the outer housing wall 2 can by such a construction both in the illuminated state of an area 3 as well as in the non-illuminated state of the area 3 be reproduced well.

It is beneficial to the layer 10 in a white color. In this way, all the spectral components of an incident ambient light 9 from the reflective layer 10 to be thrown back. Especially on dark outer housing walls 2 Thus, the layer appears 10 in a white shimmering color, so that graphical symbols can be reproduced in a particularly high contrast. However, it is also conceivable ambient light 9 reflect wavelength dependent so that only certain spectral components in a particular hue are reflected with a certain intensity. For example, the reflective layer could reflect a red hue when the outer housing wall 2 otherwise held in a light or white color.

A light transmission of the layer 10 for light rays of a background light 8th is in particular by the layer thickness of the layer 10 on the surface of the outer housing wall 2 adjustable. In particular, by a very thin layer thickness in the nanometer or micrometer range, good light transmission while still good reflectivity of ambient light can be achieved.

It is conceivable, instead of a paint coating as a layer 10 also films with corresponding reflection properties and transmission properties on the surface of the outer housing wall 2 applied.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

outer housing wall

3

illuminated area

4

opaque area

5

control knob

6

other components

7

Backlight

8th

Backlit

9

ambient light

10

reflective layer

Claims (9)

Casing ( 1 ) for a computer or for a computer component, wherein on an outer housing wall ( 2 ) of the housing ( 1 ) at least one area ( 3 ) is arranged, which via a in the housing ( 1 ) arranged lighting ( 7 ), characterized in that in the area ( 3 ) on the surface of the outer housing wall ( 2 ) at least partially a layer ( 10 ) which is transparent to light of illumination ( 7 ) and ambient light ( 9 ), wherein at least the sections with the applied layer ( 10 ) in the area ( 3 ) are arranged such that a graphic symbol for an operating function of the computer in the area ( 3 ) is formed. Casing ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer ( 10 ) exclusively in the field ( 3 ) is applied. Casing ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the layer ( 10 ) Ambient light ( 9 ) reflected. Casing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the layer ( 10 ) is formed from a coated paint. Casing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the layer ( 10 ) has a white hue. Casing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the area ( 3 ) is formed such that a graphic symbol for an operation function of the computer is formed. Casing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the area ( 3 ) on a control knob ( 5 ) of the housing ( 1 ) is trained. Computer component with a housing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7. Computer with a housing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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